Roman Catholic Diocese of Bethlehem
| Diocese of Bethlehem Dioecesis Bethlehemensis | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Metropolitan | Bloemfontein |
| Statistics | |
| Area | 34,965 km2 (13,500 sq mi) |
| Population - Total - Catholics |
(as of 2006) 77,600 946,000 (8.2%) |
| Information | |
| Rite | Latin Rite |
| Current leadership | |
| Pope | Francis |
| Bishop | Jan de Groef, M. Afr. |
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bethlehem (Latin: Bethlehemen(sis)) is a diocese located in the city of Bethlehem in the Ecclesiastical province of Bloemfontein in South Africa.
History
- February 12, 1948: Established as Apostolic Vicariate of Bethlehem from the Apostolic Vicariate of Kroonstad
- January 11, 1951: Promoted as Diocese of Bethlehem
Special churches
The Cathedral is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Bethlehem.
Leadership
- Bishops of Bethlehem (Roman rite)
- Bishop Jan de Groef, M. Afr. (since 2008.12.31)
- Bishop Hubert Bucher (1976.12.09 - 2008.12.31)
- Bishop Peter Kelleter, C.S.Sp. (1951.01.11 – 1975.07.05)
- Vicars Apostolic of Bethlehem (Roman rite)
- Bishop Peter Kelleter, C.S.Sp. (1950.03.12 – 1951.01.11)
- Bishop Léon Klerlein, C.S.Sp. (1948.02.12 – 1950.05.22)